Jewish 100: Matisyahu Miller – Arts

At one point, the most identifiable Chassidic Jew on the planet, Matisyahu has become a bit more inconspicuous since his beard was shaved in 2011— but only a bit. After all, it’s hard living in anonymity when you’re music is popular with so many. With songs such as “Jerusalem,” spiritual Jewish themes have always been at the center of the hip-hop star’s music. And as he very publicly battles with and navigates through the disparate worlds of Judaism, Matisyahu exhibits that most Jewish of traits: the right to openly question and debate your own dispositions. Despite that, he continues to infuse popular culture with a deeper sense of spirit – so uniquely Jewish.